The plan was to hike about 6.5 miles to the Clouds Rest Junction, camp there for the night and climb Half Dome early next morning.

A day by day account of my John Muir Trail through hike in the California Sierra Nevada, including preparation stages, packing list, and post trip thoughts. Starting from Yosemite Valley, it took me a total of 23 days to complete the hike.

My packing list for my August/September 2009 through hike of the John Muir Trail, including food packages sent to pick up locations.

All my planning steps leading up to my 2009 through hike, including training, buying gear, and transportation to the trailhead.

The countdown begins for August 17, 2009. After calling the Yosemite Association and talking to a less than courteous person on the phone, I made my reservation for the Wilderness Permit required for the John Muir Trail.